Technology Tips for Travelers

Traveling with your computer and smartphone can present special logistical and security challenges. Taking a few steps to prepare for your trip and think about what could go wrong can help save time recovering from issues encountered during travel. These tips are not exhaustive, and sometimes specific destinations may warrant additional (or fewer) preparations.

This article does not attempt to recreate the many excellent third-party resources that exist on this topic for academic professionals. It adds some MIT-specific details, but please review the Resources list below for details, how-to guides and international travel security advice collected by EDUCAUSE.

Before you travel

Contact tech support BEFORE you travelWe recommend contacting your local IT support provider to ask if a sanitized loaner computer and/or mobile device is available for use while traveling.

Back up your laptop

If you are using MIT's CrashPlan service, verify that backups have run successfully. Use the CrashPlan web interface to inspect backed up files.

If you are using another backup solution, such as Apple's TimeMachine, launch the client on your computer and run a backup before your trip begins.

Back up your mobile device

You may want to synchronize your smartphone or tablet with your computer or verify that you are synchronizing it with iCloud (for iOS devices) or Google (for Android devices) before you leave. See the following knowledgebase articles on backup for iOS and Android devices.

Secure your computer...

Make a note of the serial numbers of all your devices, and keep a copy of that information somewhere at MIT, so you or your colleagues can provide the information to law enforcement if your devices are stolen.

If you will be using any other software or apps during your travels, take a moment to ensure they are up to date and working correctly.

Plan for connectivity

Find out whether you will have wireless Internet connectivity at your destination. If you will only have wired Ethernet connectivity, make sure you bring an Ethernet cable and any adapters your computer may require.

Verify whether or not you will have cellular voice and data service at your destination. Contact your cellular provider to determine what charges, if any, will be incurred for roaming or to determine whether a short-term international plan is available (See the international section of this page for more information).

Use Eduroam. Eduroam wireless networks, providing the same level of security as MIT SECURE, are available at thousands of educational and research institutions in the U.S. and over 70 countries.

Have a "Plan B"

Make sure you have another way to access your data or give a presentation if your laptop breaks.

If you are traveling internationally, obtain the customer service phone number for your mobile provider in your destination country.

If your laptop is currently covered by a warranty, you may also wish to find out how to obtain repair service while traveling internationally. For example, is there an Apple Store near your destination? What is the telephone number for hardware/software service in your destination country?

While traveling

Never leave your device unattended

Never leave your laptop or mobile device unattended, especially in public locations such as airports or cafés. If you must leave your laptop in your hotel room, make use of an in-room safe, or use a cable lock.

Whenever possible use the MIT VPN client

Whenever possible, start a connection to the MIT VPN when using public network connections, however...

Some countries may restrict types of traffic, certain internet destinations, and technologies you can legally use, including connecting via a VPN. When traveling to such destinations always inform yourself of applicable laws and restrictions, and obey them. For more information about specific destinations:

International S.O.S. provides important emergency services while you travel, and also maintains a help line for detailed advice on specific countries, local customs and laws, and restrictions you might encounter.

Check your mobile device settings

If you're traveling internationally, consider disabling the International Data feature in your smartphone or tablet, as roaming charges can accumulate quickly.

After you travel

Perform a full virus-scan of your computer

Upon your return, perform a full virus-scan of your computer, particularly before exporting any data from your laptop.

Reset any e-mail automatic replies or voicemail greetings

If you previously set an "Out of Office" automatic reply, remember to disable it once you're regularly checking e-mail again.

If you previously set an "alternative greeting" on your voicemail box, remember to disable it or switch to your default greeting once you're regularly checking voicemail again.

International travel considerations

Contact your cellular provider to determine whether your voice and data service will be available in your destination country, and what charges will be incurred for international roaming. Alternatively, you can arrange for a loaner or pre-paid cellular phone when you arrive at your destination.

Your mobile device may allow you to switch SIM cards. You can often buy a pre-paid SIM card in your destination country, which may be more cost-effective than paying roaming charges. Your mobile device must be "unlocked" in order to switch SIM cards. Contact your cellular provider for more information.

If your trip involves a border crossing, special rules and considerations may apply. These can vary widely by destination. In general, be aware that when crossing a border your laptop and electronic devices may be searched and handled by individuals other than yourself.

You may be asked to provide passwords to your devices by local authorities. If you frequently access remote resources such as cloud storage services or web services on MIT campus, make sure passwords for those are not stored on your laptop or in your browser.

For some destinations you may want to consider bringing a laptop or mobile device borrowed and provisioned especially for your trip, which only contains the data and software you will need while abroad. This device should then be wiped of all content upon your return.

When traveling to areas with a reputation for monitoring communications, consider setting up a temporary email account used for the duration of the trip and known only to a few individuals.

If you are using your regular email address, set an account password which will be used only for the duration of the trip. Limit communications by email and phone to those who understand that conversations may be monitored, and should not contain sensitive data or information. Advise those trying to reach you (see Update voicemail greetings and e-mail auto-responders) that you'll have unreliable communications while traveling, and direct them to an alternate email address or phone number which will be staffed by an individual at your home location

For an exhaustive list of security, data protection, and privacy information with specific details for particular destinations please take a look at the Security Tips for Traveling Abroad pages maintained by EDUCAUSE, linked in the Resources section below.

Resources

Internet2 Security Tips for Traveling Abroad
This collection of guides and resources contains the best how-to and advice pages from higher education institutions and the US Government.